It is a great pleasure for me as President of the European Hockey Federation to welcome all players, officials, press and spectators to the marvellous facilities here in Siauliai.

European Indoor hockey is this year changing its format: it will now feature only 5 players, in line with the FIH Rules. We are very much looking forward to seeing this new development be showcased in Europe. Less players on the pitch promises more space for field movement and should make the matches even more exciting than ever before. We are specially looking forward to even more goals, the essence of Indoor Hockey!

We are very excited to see an exhibition of this ‘new’ Indoor hockey in the Championships in January and all our Club tournaments in February.

Where are all these tournaments? This year we are holding our Championships in Vienna and Prague, our Championships II and III in Bern, Siauliai and Sveti Ivan Zelina. Vienna is holding a very special celebration for the 100th Anniversary of Austrian Hockey. . Our Club competitions will take us all over Europe, from East Grinstead to Cambrai, to Minsk, Siaulai, Prague and Banja Kanjiza.

All our tournaments require a lot of work and organisation and the European Hockey Federation is very grateful to Leonardas Caikauskas and all the volunteers and staff of the organising committee for their hard work and dedication which made all this possible.

I wish the very best of luck to all those who are taking part in this tournament: coaches, umpires, officials, and especially the players: May you experience a competitive, rewarding and above all, enjoyable event. To all the spectators: Enjoy the show!

Good luck!

Marijke Fleuren

Dear participants of the Championship and guests,

I am extremely delighted and proud that the City of Šiauliai hosts the significant sporting event – EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championships II, Women in the year 2014.

The city has long lasting hockey traditions, significant sport achievements therefore, we are prepared to host the high level sporting events. I am confident that the participants of the Championship will experience the delight of a competitive sport, and the sport fans will enjoy not only the victories of the Lithuanian teams but as well will appreciate the achievements of athletes from other countries. The organizers of the European Championship do their best to make the participants pleased with the hospitality of the city and the fans – with the exciting sporting event.

May the best impressions remain in everyone’s heart.

Justinas Sartauskas
Mayor of Šiauliai City

Dear hockey friends,

Over a decade it just has grown in into blood the feeling that every year the whole hockey family need to meet during international official tournament in Lithuania. Therefore today I’m very pleased to welcome all guests – players, spectators, umpires and our loyal sponsors in EuroHockey Indoor Nations Championship II (Women) 2014.

We are one family and each championship – our joint celebration!
I’m extremely pleased that once again we had gathered in Lithuanian cradle of hockey – Siauliai! We all still remember fabulous women hockey club’s “Tauras” matches, we know first Lithuanian synthetic water-based hockey stadium, and now we are playing in beautiful Siauliai arena. It is one of the best and modern sport facilities where the hockey competitions were held around the world.

I sincerely thank to all of our coaches, players, sponsors, volunteers, Lithuania hockey federation staff – without your efforts such championships would be impossible! To the teams from Lithuania, Belgium, Russia, Slovakia, Scotland, Switzerland, Ukraine and Wales I wish honorable matches, good emotions and unforgettable moments for all spectators!

Leonardas Čaikauskas
President of Lithuanian hockey federation
Executive Board member of European Hockey Federation
Executive Board member of Lithuanian National Olympic Committee
Vice-President of Lithuanian Union of Sports Federations